Diploma Programme Coordinator

Responsibilities:

About UIS

Uptown International School (UIS) is a young and dynamic IB World School, authorised to offer both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Established in 2019, UIS has grown steadily each year and continues to expand upwards. Our oldest students are currently in MYP4 and are preparing to be the school's first Diploma Programme (DP) cohort, beginning in September 2027.

As part of this exciting growth, UIS is applying for candidacy in the Diploma Programme. We are assembling a DP team to develop unit plans and prepare all required documentation for submission during the authorisation process. To support this, UIS will be hiring part-time teachers to work with the DP Coordinator in the design and development of unit plans in advance of full-time teaching appointments from September 2027.

Role Overview

UIS is seeking to appoint an experienced and knowledgeable IB Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator to lead the school's preparation for authorisation during its candidacy phase. The DP Coordinator will play a pivotal role in guiding the school through the authorisation process, ensuring alignment with IB Standards and Practices, and preparing for the successful launch of the Diploma Programme in September 2027.

This is a leadership role requiring both strategic vision and practical management. The Coordinator will act as the key liaison with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), provide pedagogical leadership to staff, and coordinate the development of unit plans and policies for submission as part of the authorisation process.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Pedagogy

Lead the school's candidacy and authorisation journey for the Diploma Programme.

Promote and embed the IB philosophy, mission, and Learner Profile across the school community.

Coordinate the development of high-quality unit plans across all subject areas with the support of part-time DP teachers, ensuring coherence and compliance with IB expectations.

Support professional growth by ensuring all DP staff engage with IB training opportunities and collaborative planning.

Oversee preparation of core components (TOK, CAS, EE) and ensure alignment with IB Standards and Practices.

Management & Compliance

Serve as the primary point of contact between UIS and the IBO, ensuring accurate and timely communication.

Oversee the preparation of IB-required documentation, including unit planners, policy documents (assessment, inclusion, academic honesty, language), and self-study reports.

Develop and maintain a timeline/calendar of all candidacy and authorisation requirements and deadlines.

Ensure staff and leadership are familiar with, and compliant with, IB regulations and assessment procedures.

Support the development of parent and student handbooks to build awareness and confidence in the Diploma Programme.

Change Management & School Development

Act as a change agent, supporting UIS in embedding IB pedagogy and collaborative learning practices.

Guide the leadership team in developing a viable three-year development plan for the Diploma Programme, including curriculum, staffing, and budget considerations.

Share expertise from other IB contexts to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition to full authorisation.

Community Engagement

Communicate IB philosophy and programme expectations clearly to students, staff, parents, and governors.

Deliver information sessions and workshops to build whole-school understanding of the Diploma Programme.

Represent UIS as the IB spokesperson to external stakeholders, including alumni and the wider community.

Reporting & Accountability

Reports to: Head of Secondary

Responsible for: Coordinating Diploma Programme preparation; supporting DP subject teachers and core component supervisors (TOK, CAS, EE).

American Diploma & Registrar Responsibilities

– Create, update, and issue official student transcripts, ensuring accuracy in courses, credits, and grades across Grades 9–12.

– Assign and monitor credits for each course taken in Grades 9–12, ensuring compliance with MSA graduation standards.

– Perform regular credit audits to confirm students remain on track for timely graduation and provide accurate GPA calculations using approved scales.

– Guide students and families through diploma options (Full IB Diploma, IB Course Certificates + American Diploma, or American Diploma only).

– Advise students on course selections to ensure eligibility for graduation and university entrance, including hybrid pathways.

– Oversee vertical alignment (progression across Grades 9–12) and horizontal alignment (balance and coherence within grade levels).

– Ensure all academic records and transcripts meet MSA accreditation requirements and international university recognition standards.

– Submit accurate reports and documentation for audits, evaluations, and accreditation visits.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

University degree and teaching qualification (essential).

Significant experience teaching and/or coordinating within the IB Diploma Programme (essential).

Completion of an IB-approved Category 1 or 2 DP Leading the learning workshop (preferred, or willingness to complete) and / or Category 3 Role of the Coordinator.

Knowledge & Skills

Strong understanding of IB philosophy, standards and practices, and DP assessment requirements.

Excellent leadership, organisational, and change-management skills.

Ability to inspire and support colleagues through collaborative practice.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills for engaging multiple stakeholders.

Competence in data analysis to support programme evaluation and planning.

Personal Qualities

Models the IB Learner Profile attributes.

Flexible, reflective, and able to adapt in a changing environment.

Collaborative and able to build trust and enthusiasm across the school community.

Committed to continuous professional development and international mindedness.

Time Allocation & Resources

This is a part-time role (approximately 25% allocation, with flexibility to adjust as candidacy progresses).

The successful candidate will have access to appropriate office space, administrative support, and budgetary resources to fulfil the role effectively.

Recruitment Advert

Part-Time IB Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator

Uptown International School (UIS)

Uptown International School (UIS), founded in 2019, is an authorised IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). The school has grown steadily each year, and our oldest students are now in MYP4. They will form our first IB Diploma Programme (DP) cohort in September 2027.

UIS is now applying for candidacy in the Diploma Programme, and we are seeking to appoint a part-time DP Coordinator to lead the school through the candidacy and authorisation process. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced IB educator to shape the future of the DP at UIS and ensure we are fully prepared to launch in 2027.

The DP Coordinator will:

Act as the school's main liaison with the IBO.

Lead the development of DP unit plans and policies in collaboration with part-time subject specialists.

Support staff professional development and embed IB philosophy and pedagogy across the school.

Guide UIS through the authorisation process, ensuring alignment with IB Standards and Practices.

Communicate clearly with all stakeholders, including students, parents, and governors.

We are looking for an experienced IB Diploma educator with programme leadership experience, strong communication and organisational skills, and a passion for developing the IB ethos within a growing school community.

This is a part-time role (approx. 25% allocation), beginning in early 2026 or sooner.

Join us on our journey to becoming a three-programme IB World School. To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to [contact email].